A fungicidal combination, composition, and use thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses a fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. The present invention 5 also discloses a fungicidal composition comprising said fungicidal combination, and methods of using thereof for controlling fungal infestation in plants, crops, or parts thereof.

Description

A FUNGICIDAL COMBINATION, COMPOSITION, AND USE THEREOFFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a fungicidal combination. Particularly, the present invention relates to a fungicidal combination comprising systemic fungicide and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. The present invention also relates to a fungicidal composition comprising said fungicidal combination, and methods of using thereof for controlling fungal infestation in plants, crops, or parts thereof.BACKGROUND

[0002] Fungicides play an important role in agriculture in controlling, eradicating, or preventing attack and damage to crops by fungal pathogens, thus safeguarding growth, health and yield of the crop. However, constant use of conventionally known fungicides has been generating resistance in fungal pathogens, thus creating a need for new fungicides or combinations of fungicides which act synergistically. The need for responsible environmental sustainability also poses a requirement for safe and effective fungicides which achieve the purpose in minimal doses.Systemic fungicides are widely used to control a variety of fungal diseases. A systemic fungicide appears to be selective because it is toxic to only a single site within the fungus. This can cause problems, since a single change in the fungus can result in resistance to the fungicide. With a need to maximize the benefit, there is a need to combine these fungicides with agents which will help provide optimal effect with reduced dosages. There is therefore a need for effective and synergistic fungicidal solutions comprising multi-site fungicides, especially copper-based and sulphur-based fungicides.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention addresses the above unfulfilled requirement of the hour and targets to fill up the void for newer, effective, and synergistic fungicidal combinations and resulting solutions. It is an object of the present invention to provide fungicidal solutions which are effective at lower doses. Therefore, it becomes an object of the present invention to provide a novel, effective fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel, effective fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. It is an object of the present invention to provide a synergistic fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a method of controlling fungal infestation of a plant, a crop, or a part thereof by applying said combination or a composition comprising said combination. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a method of controlling fungal disease in a plant, a crop, or a part thereof by applying said combination or a composition comprising said combination. It is an objective of the present invention to improve plant health, growth and yield by applying said combination or a composition comprising said combination. It is also an objective of the present invention to reduce the dosage of the fungicide without affecting the efficiency of controlling fungal infestation in a plant, a crop, or a part thereof.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] An aspect of the present invention provides a fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof.

[0005] An aspect of the present invention provides a fungicidally effective composition comprising a systemic fungicide; salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; and an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0006] An aspect of the present invention provides a method of controlling fungal infestation of a plant, a crop, or a part thereof, comprising applying afungicidally effective combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; or a composition comprising said combination.

[0007] An aspect of the present invention provides a method of controlling fungal disease in a plant, a crop, or a part thereof, comprising applying to a locus a fungicidally effective combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; or a composition comprising said combination.

[0008] An aspect of the present invention provides a method to improve plant health, growth and yield comprising applying to a locus a fungicidally effective combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; or a composition comprising said combination.

[0009] In an embodiment, 10% -90% dose reduction of the systemic fungicide as compared to the standard farmer practice is achieved through the combinations, compositions or methods encompassed by the present invention.

[0010] An aspect of the present invention provides a use of a fungicidally effective combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; or a composition comprising said combination for controlling fungal infestation and / or fungal disease of a plant, a crop, or a part thereof.

[0011] An aspect of the present invention provides a kit-of-parts comprising a first component comprised of a systemic fungicide, and a second component comprised of salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. The first and / or second components may further comprise an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0012] An aspect of the present invention provides a kit-of-parts comprising a first component comprised of a systemic fungicide, a second component comprised of salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; and optionally a third or more components comprised of an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0013] In an embodiment, the kit-of-parts may further comprise a set of instructions on mixing, use and application of the components comprised therein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] For the purposes of the following detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Moreover, other than in any operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing, for example, quantities of materials / ingredients used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about" and is meant to encompass variations of ± 10%, ± 5%, ± 1%, ± 0.5%, or even ± 0.1% of the specified value as well as the specified value.

[0015] Thus, before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified systems or process parameters that may of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the invention or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the invention is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.

[0016] It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.

[0017] As used herein, the terms “comprising” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to.

[0018] In any aspect or embodiment described hereinbelow, the phrase comprising may be replaced by the phrases “consisting of’ or “consisting essentially of or “consisting substantially of. In these aspects or embodiment, the combination or composition described includes or comprises or consists of or consists essentially of or consists substantially of the specific components recited therein, to the exclusion of other herbicides or fungicides or insecticide or plant growth promoting agents or adjuvants, or excipients not specifically recited therein.

[0019] The term “plants” include, but are not limited to, germinant seeds, emerging seedlings, plants emerging from vegetative propagules, and established vegetation. The term “plant” as used herein refers to any vegetation to which the compositions of the present disclosure can be applied for any purposes or any treatment. The term covers a whole plant or a part thereof, such as stems, branches, bark, pistils, flowers, petals, sepals, roots, rhizomes, buds, bulbs, tubers, petioles, nodes, internodes, leaves, leaflets, meristems, root tips, shoot tips, fruits, reproductive organs such as anther, stamen, carpel, ovary, style, stigma, and so forth. The term also covers seeds, seedlings, or any plant propagation material. The term "plant propagation material" is to be understood to denote all the generative parts of the plant such as seeds and vegetative plant material such as cuttings and tubers (e. g. potatoes), which can be used for the multiplication of the plant. This includes seeds, roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, shoots, sprouts and other parts of plants. Seedlings and young plants, which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from soil, may also be included. These plant propagation materials may be treated prophylactically with a plant protection compound either at or before planting or transplanting. In an embodiment, the term includes agronomically useful plants, for example for example vegetable, fruit and cereal crops, and ornamental plants. The agronomically useful plants are angiosperms selectedfrom the group consisting of Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Convolvulaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Gramineae, Liliaceae, Polygonaceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Poaceae, the Vitaceae. The term includes crops, cereals, fruits, vegetables, nuts, vines, nursery plants and flowers. Non-limiting examples of target plant include corn, cereals such as rice, wheat, barley, rye, oat, sorghum, millet, triticale, buckwheat, etc.; cotton, soybean, beet, row crops, legumes, grams, sugar cane, tobacco, etc.; oilseeds such as oilseed rape, peanut / groundnut, rapeseed, sunflower, etc.; vegetables: solanaceous vegetables such as eggplant, tomato, pimento, pepper, potato, etc., cucurbit vegetables such as cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, water melon, melon, squash, gourds, muskmelon, etc., cruciferous vegetables such as radish, white turnip, horseradish, kohlrabi, cabbage, leaf mustard, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, etc., asteraceous vegetables such as burdock, crown daisy, artichoke, lettuce, etc, liliaceous vegetables such as green onion, onion, shallot, garlic, and asparagus, ammiaceous vegetables such as carrot, parsley, celery, parsnip, leek, etc., chenopodiaceous vegetables such as spinach, swiss chard, etc., lamiaceous vegetables such as Perilla frutescens, mint, basil, etc.; herbs and spices such as coriander, chamomile, cassia, catnip, clove, cumin, curry, cilantro, cinnamon, cardamom, dill, anise, juniper, lavender, parsley, rosemary, marigold, mustard, nutmeg, fennel, poppy, thyme, vanilla, saffron, poppy, sage, wintergreen, etc.; flowers, foliage plants, turf grasses, fruits: pome fruits such apple, pear, quince, guava, etc, stone fleshy fruits such as peach, plum, nectarine, cherry, apricot, prune, etc., citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, mandarin, malta, kumquat, pummelo, tangerine, tangor, uniq, etc., nuts such as chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almond, pistachio, cashew nuts, macadamia nuts, pecan nut, cashew nut, hazel nut, pine nut, etc. berries such as caneberry, strawberry, blueberry, cranberry, blackberry, raspberry, coryberry, darrowberry, dewberry, thornless berry, evergreen blackberry, himalayaberry, hullberry, lavacaberry, loganberry, lowberry, lucretiaberry, mammoth blackberry, marionberry, mora, mures deronce, nectarberry, olallieberry, evergreen berry, phenomenalberry, rangeberry, ravenberry, rossberry,dewberry, tayberry, youngberry, zarzamora, aronia berry, currant, elderberry, barberry, gooseberry, honeysuckle, huckleberry, jostaberry, juneberry, lingonberry, salal, seabuckthorn, bayberry, buffaloberry, chokecherry, maypop, mulberry, bearberry, bilberry, cloudberry, muntries, partridgeberry, etc., grape, kaki fruit, kiwi fruit, olive, plum, banana, coffee, date palm, coconuts, papaya, persimmon, avocado, dragon fruit, pomegranate, lychee, jackfruit, pineapple, passionfruit, sapota, etc., trees other than fruit trees; tea, mulberry, flowering plant, trees such as ash, birch, dogwood, eucalyptus, Ginkgo biloba, lilac, maple, Quercus, poplar, Judas tree, Liquidambar formosana, plane tree, zelkova, Japanese arborvitae, fir wood, hemlock, juniper, Pinus, Picea, and Taxus cuspidate, etc., other crops such as chive, day lily, Elegans hosta, Fritillaria, gojiberry, okra, pea, hops, beans, guar, radish, amaranth, jute, fenugreek, lentils, chickpea, artichoke, rhubarb, licorice, sweet potato, Dioscorea japonica, colocasia, ornamental grasses (lawn turf, sod, etc.), varieties and cultivars thereof.

[0020] As used herein, the term ‘fungicidally effective amount’ refers to an amount of an active compound, a combination of active compounds, or a composition that, when applied to a locus susceptible to fungal infestation (including plants, seeds, soil, or surfaces), is sufficient to inhibit, suppress, or eliminate the growth, reproduction, or spread of one or more fungal species under practical use conditions. The fungicidally effective amount may vary depending on factors such as the target fungus, formulation type, application method, and environmental conditions, but is generally determined by achieving a measurable reduction in fungal activity compared to untreated control in standard efficacy tests.

[0021] As used herein, the term ‘locus’ refers to any site, area, or environment where fungal control is desired, including but not limited to the surface of plants (such as leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits), seeds, soil surrounding the plant roots, growth media, or any agricultural substrate that is susceptible to fungal infestation. The term refers to any site where a fungal infestation is present or is anticipated to be present.

[0022] An effective fungal disease control in plants, crops or a part thereof can be achieved by usage of fungicides appropriately. The activity of fungicides can be enhanced in various ways to achieve the maximum benefit. One of the ways is to use different fungicidal combinations. However, identifying appropriate combinations, their agrochemical application rates, and ratio of the combinations is essential to achieve efficacious control, which is not straight forward. Accordingly, the present disclosure bridges the gap to provide novel, effective fungicidal combinations which also may be synergistic in their action and effect.

[0023] Thus, an embodiment of the present invention provides a novel, effective fungicidal combination comprising a fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the fungicide is a systemic fungicide.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the systemic fungicide is selected from a demethylation inhibitor (DMI), a quinone outside inhibitor (QOI), a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI), an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, or combinations thereof.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the systemic fungicide is a demethylation inhibitor (DMI) selected from azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, mefentrifluconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, propiconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, prothioconazole, and combinations thereof.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the systemic fungicide is a quinone outside inhibitor (QOI) selected from azoxystrobin, coumoxystrobin, enoxastrobin, flufenoxystrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraoxystrobin, mandestrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrametostrobin, triclopyricarb, kresoxim-methyl, trifloxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, fenaminstrobin, metominostrobin, orysastrobin, famoxadone,fluoxastrobin, fenamidone, pyribencarb, metyltetraprole, and combinations thereof.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the systemic fungicide is a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) selected from benodanil, flutolanil, mepronil, isofetamid, fluopyram, cyclobutrifluram, fenfuram, carboxin, oxycarboxin, thifluzamide, benzovindiflupyr, bixafen, fluindapyr, fluxapyroxad, furametpyr, inpyrfluxam, isopyrazam, penflufen, penthiopyrad, sedaxane, isoflucypram, pydiflumetofen, boscalid, pyraziflumid, and combinations thereof.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the systemic fungicide is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation. In a preferred embodiment, the uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation is fluazinam.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the systemic fungicide is any one or more or combinations of the above fungicides.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the systemic fungicide is prothioconazole.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the systemic fungicide is fluxapyroxad.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the systemic fungicide is fluoxastrobin.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the systemic fungicide is fluazinam.

[0035] In an embodiment, analogues of salicylic acid include 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid, benzothiadiazole, 5 -aminosalicylic acid, 5-methylsalicylic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, 3 -hydroxybenzoic acid, acibenzolar-S-methyl, P -aminobutyric acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0036] In an embodiment, the salts of salicylic acid include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc salts of salicylic acid and any salt as can be normally construed by a person skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the salt is potassium salicylate. In another preferred embodiment, the salt is calcium salicylate.

[0037] Thus, an embodiment of the present invention provides a fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts oranalogues thereof. Preferably, an embodiment of the present invention provides a fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and potassium salicylate.

[0038] Thus, an embodiment of the present invention provides a fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. Preferably, an embodiment of the present invention provides a fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and calcium salicylate.

[0039] In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof are combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:200 to about 200:1. In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof are combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:110 to about 110:1. In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof are combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:100 to about 100:1. In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof are combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:90 to about 90:1. In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof are combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:80 to about 80:1. In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof are combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:70 to about 70:1. In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof are combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:60 to about 60:1. In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof are combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:50 to about 50:1. In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof are combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:40 to about 40:1. In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof are combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:30 to about 30:1. In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof are combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:20 to about 20:1. In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts oranalogues thereof are combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:10 to about 10:1.

[0040] In an embodiment, the fungicidal combination of the present invention comprises prothioconazole and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. In an embodiment, the fungicidal combination of the present invention comprises prothioconazole and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof combined in a ratio ranging from about 1: 103 to about 103: 1. In a preferred embodiment, said combination comprises potassium salicylate. In another preferred embodiment, said combination comprises calcium salicylate.

[0041] In an embodiment, the fungicidal combination of the present invention fluxapyroxad and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. In an embodiment, the fungicidal combination of the present invention comprises fluxapyroxad and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:103 to about 103:1. In another embodiment, said combination comprises potassium salicylate. In another preferred embodiment, said combination comprises calcium salicylate.

[0042] In an embodiment, the fungicidal combination of the present invention comprises fluoxastrobin and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. In an embodiment, the fungicidal combination of the present invention comprises fluoxastrobin and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof combined in a ratio ranging from about 1:2 to about 80: 1. In another embodiment, said combination comprises potassium salicylate. In another preferred embodiment, said combination comprises calcium salicylate.

[0043] In an embodiment, the fungicidal combination of the present invention comprises fluazinam and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. In an embodiment, the fungicidal combination of the present invention comprises fluazinam and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof combined in a ratio ranging from about 9: 1 to about 1:70. In another embodiment, said combination comprises potassium salicylate. In another preferred embodiment, said combination comprises calcium salicylate.

[0044] In an embodiment, said combination comprises one or more systemic fungicides. In an embodiment, said combination comprises two or more systemic fungicides. Said fungicides may be selected from the list of systemic fungicides provided herein the specification.

[0045] In various embodiments, the fungicidal activity of a combination according to the present invention exceeds the total of the activities of the individual active compounds. For the two active compounds in a combination or when applied together to form a combination, the activity will be greater than the sum of the single active compound alone. Thus, in various embodiments, fungicidal combinations include combinations which are synergistic for control of one or more fungi or fungal pathogens.

[0046] An embodiment of the present invention provides a synergistic fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof.

[0047] An embodiment of the present invention provides an effective and synergistic fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof.

[0048] In an embodiment, the combinations of the present invention may be further combined with precipitated silica, aluminium silicate and / or calcium silicate, or derivatives or salts thereof. Preferably, the combinations of the present invention may further comprise aluminium silicate, or derivatives or salts thereof. More preferably, the combinations of the present invention may further comprise sodium aluminium silicate. More preferably, the combinations of the present invention may further comprise magnesium aluminium silicate. More preferably, the combinations of the present invention may further comprise calcium aluminium silicate.

[0049] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; and precipitated silica, aluminium silicate and / or calcium silicate, or derivatives or salts thereof.

[0050] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; potassium salicylate; and precipitated silica, aluminium silicate and / or calcium silicate, or derivatives or salts thereof.

[0051] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; calcium salicylate; and precipitated silica, aluminium silicate and / or calcium silicate, or derivatives or salts thereof.

[0052] In an embodiment, said precipitated silica, aluminium silicate and / or calcium silicate, or derivatives or salts thereof may be pre-formulated with the fungicide. In an embodiment, said precipitated silica, aluminium silicate and / or calcium silicate, or derivatives or salts thereof may be tank-mixed with the fungicide and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof.

[0053] An embodiment of the present invention provides a fungicidally effective composition comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof are present in a synergistic combination in said composition.

[0054] In an embodiment, the total amount of the systemic fungicide in the composition may typically be in the range of about 0.01% to about 99% by weight of the composition. The total amount of the salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof in the composition may be in the range of about 0.01% to about 99% by weight of the composition.

[0055] In an embodiment, the total amount of the systemic fungicide in the composition may typically be in the range of about 0.01% to about 99% by weight of the composition.

[0056] In an embodiment, the amount of the fungicide in the combinations or compositions of the present invention may range from about 0.001 g ai / L to about 2000 g ai / L.

[0057] In an embodiment, the amount of the systemic fungicide in the combinations or compositions of the present invention may range from about 0.001 g ai / L to about 2000 g ai / L.

[0058] An embodiment of the present invention provides a fungicidally effective composition comprising a systemic fungicide; salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; and an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0059] The agrochemically suitable excipient may be any one or a combination of adjuvants, co-solvents, surfactants, colorants, dispersants, emulsifiers, thickeners, antifreeze agents, biocides, anti-foam agents, stabilizers, wetting agents or a mixture thereof which may be optionally added to the compositions of the present invention.

[0060] The surfactants may be selected from non-ionic, anionic, or cationic surfactants.

[0061] Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyarylphenol polyethoxy ethers, polyalkylphenol polyethoxy ethers, polyglycol ether derivatives of saturated fatty acids, polyglycol ether derivatives of unsaturated fatty acids, polyglycol ether derivatives of aliphatic alcohols, polyglycol ether derivatives of cycloaliphatic alcohols, fatty acid esters of polyoxyethylene sorbitan, alkoxylated vegetable oils, alkoxylated acetylenic diols, polyalkoxylated alkylphenols, fatty acid alkoxylates, sorbitan alkoxylates, sorbitol esters, Cs-C22 alkyl or alkenyl polyglycosides, polyalkoxy styrylaryl ethers, alkylamine oxides, block copolymer ethers, polyalkoxylated fatty glyceride, polyalkylene glycol ethers, linear aliphatic or aromatic polyesters, organo silicones, polyaryl phenols, sorbitol ester alkoxylates, polyalkylene oxide block copolymers, acrylic copolymers and mono- and diesters of ethylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

[0062] Examples of anionic surfactants include alcohol sulfates, alcohol ether sulfates, alkylaryl ether sulfates, alkylaryl sulfonates such as alkylbenzene sulfonates and alkylnaphthalene sulfonates and salts thereof, alkyl sulfonates, mono- or di-phosphate esters of polyalkoxylated alkyl alcohols or alkylphenols,mono- or di-sulfosuccinate esters of C12-C15 alkanols or polyalkoxylated C12-C15 alkanols, alcohol ether carboxylates, phenolic ether carboxylates, polybasic acid esters of ethoxylated polyoxyalkylene glycols consisting of oxybutylene or the residue of tetrahydrofuran, sulfoalkylamides and salts thereof such as N-methyl-N-oleoyltaurate Na salt, polyoxyalkylene alkylphenol carboxylates, polyoxyalkylene alcohol carboxylates alkyl polyglycoside / alkenyl succinic anhydride condensation products, alkyl ester sulfates, napthalene sulfonates, naphthalene formaldehyde condensates, alkyl sulfonamides, sulfonated aliphatic polyesters, sulfate esters of styrylphenyl alkoxylates, and sulfonate esters of styrylphenyl alkoxylates and their corresponding sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, ammonium, alkylammonium, diethanolammonium, or triethanolammonium salts, salts of ligninsulfonic acid such as the sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium or ammonium salt, polyarylphenol polyalkoxyether sulfates and polyarylphenol polyalkoxyether phosphates, and sulfated alkyl phenol ethoxylates and phosphated alkyl phenol ethoxylates.

[0063] Cationic surfactants include alkanol amides of Cs-Cis fatty acids and Cs-Ci8 fatty amine poly alkoxylates, Cio-Cis alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chlorides, coconut alkyldimethylaminoacetic acids, and phosphate esters of Cs-Ci8 fatty amine polyalkoxylates.

[0064] Emulsifiers which can be advantageously employed herein can be readily determined by those skilled in the art and include various non-ionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric emulsifiers, or a blend of two or more emulsifiers. Examples of nonionic emulsifiers useful in preparing the emulsifiable concentrates include the polyalkylene glycol ethers and condensation products of alkyl and aryl phenols, aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic amines or fatty acids with ethylene oxide, propylene oxides such as the ethoxylated alkyl phenols and carboxylic esters solubilized with the polyol or polyoxyalkylene. Cationic emulsifiers include quaternary ammonium compounds and fatty amine salts. Anionic emulsifiers include the oil-soluble salts (e.g., calcium) of alkylaryl sulfonic acids, oil-soluble salts or sulfated polyglycol ethers and appropriate salts of phosphated polyglycol ether.

[0065] In an embodiment, colorants may be selected from iron oxide, titanium oxide and Prussian Blue, and organic dyestuffs, such as alizarin dyestuffs, azo dyestuffs or metal phthalocyanine dyestuffs, and trace elements, such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

[0066] Another embodiment involves addition of a thickener or binder which may be selected from but not limited to molasses, granulated sugar, alginates, karaya gum, jaguar gum, tragacanth gum, polysaccharide gum, mucilage, xanthan gum or combination thereof. In another embodiment, the binder may be selected from silicates such as magnesium aluminium silicate, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, celluloses, including ethylcelluloses and methylcelluloses, hydroxymethyl celluloses, hydroxypropylcelluloses, hydroxymethylpropyl -celluloses, polyvinylpyrolidones, dextrins, malto -dextrins, polysaccharides, fats, oils, proteins, gum arabics, shellacs, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene chloride copolymers, calcium lignosulfonates, acrylic copolymers, starches, polyvinylacrylates, zeins, gelatin, carboxymethylcellulose, chitosan, polyethylene oxide, acrylimide polymers and copolymers, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methylacrylimide monomers, alginate, ethylcellulose, polychloroprene and syrups or mixtures thereof; polymers and copolymers of vinyl acetate, methyl cellulose, vinylidene chloride, acrylic, cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and polysaccharide; polymers and copolymers of vinylidene chloride and vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymers; combinations of polyvinyl alcohol and sucrose; plasticizers such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyglycols.

[0067] In another embodiment, antifreeze agent(s) added to the composition may be alcohols selected from the group comprising of but not limited to ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3 -propylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-pentanediol, 3-methyl-l,5-pentanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol, trimethylol propane, mannitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, xylenol, bisphenols such as bisphenol A or the like. In addition, ether alcohols such as diethylene glycol,triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene glycols of molecular weight up to about 4000, diethylene glycol monomethylether, diethylene glycol monoethylether, triethylene glycol monomethylether, butoxyethanol, butylene glycol monobutylether, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, tetrapentaerythritol, diglycerol, triglycerol, tetraglycerol, pentaglycerol, hexaglycerol, heptaglycerol, octaglycerol.

[0068] According to an embodiment, biocides may be selected from benzothiazoles, l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, l,2-phenyl-isothiazolin-3-one, inter chloroxylenol paraoxybenzoate butyl.

[0069] According to an embodiment, antifoam agent may be selected from polydimethoxysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, alkyl poly acrylates, castor oil, fatty acids, fatty acids esters, fatty acids sulfate, fatty alcohol, fatty alcohol esters, fatty alcohol sulfate, foot olive oil, mono & di glyceride, paraffin oil, paraffin wax, poly propylene glycol, silicones oil, vegetable fats, vegetable fats sulfate, vegetable oil, vegetable oil sulfate, vegetable wax, vegetable wax sulfate, agents based on silicon or magnesium stearate.

[0070] The additives to be used for the formulation include, for example, a solid carrier such as kaolinite, sericite, diatomaceous earth, slaked lime, calcium carbonate, talc, white carbon, kaoline, bentonite, clay, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, mirabilite, zeolite or starch; a solvent such as water, toluene, xylene, solvent naphtha, dioxane, dimethylsulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone or an alcohol; an anionic surfactant such as a salt of fatty acid, a benzoate, a polycarboxylate, a salt of alkylsulfuric acid ester, an alkyl sulfate, an alkylaryl sulfate, an alkyl diglycol ether sulfate, a salt of alcohol sulfuric acid ester, an alkyl sulfonate, an alkylaryl sulfonate, an aryl sulfonate, a lignin sulfonate, an alkyldiphenylether disulfonate, a polystyrene sulfonate, a salt of alkylphosphoric acid ester, an alkylaryl phosphate, a styrylaryl phosphate, a saltof polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfuric acid ester, a polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether sulfate, a salt of polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether sulfuric acid ester, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate, a salt of polyoxyethylene alkylaryl phosphoric acid ester, a salt of polyoxyethylene aryl ether phosphoric acid ester, a naphthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde or a salt of alkylnaphthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde; a nonionic surfactant such as a sorbitan fatty acid ester, a glycerin fatty acid ester, a fatty acid polyglyceride, a fatty acid alcohol polyglycol ether, acetylene glycol, acetylene alcohol, an oxyalkylene block polymer, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, a polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether, a polyoxyethylene styrylaryl ether, a polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ether, polyethylene glycol, a polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil or a polyoxypropylene fatty acid ester; and a vegetable oil or mineral oil such as olive oil, kapok oil, castor oil, palm oil, camellia oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, corn oil, rice bran oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil, tung oil or liquid paraffins. These additives may suitably be selected for use alone or in combination as a mixture of two or more of them, so long as the object of the present invention is met. Further, additives other than the above-mentioned may be suitably selected for use among those known in this field. For example, various additives commonly used, such as a filler, a thickener, an anti-settling agent, an anti-freezing agent, a dispersion stabilizer, a safener, an anti-mold agent, a bubble agent, a disintegrator and a binder, may be used.

[0071] The agrochemical formulation may also comprise one or more antioxidants. Preferably, the agrochemical formulation comprises an antioxidant. Antioxidants are, for example, amino acids (e.g. glycine, histidine, tyrosine, tryptophan) and derivatives thereof, imidazole and imidazole derivatives (e.g. urocanic acid), peptides, such as, for example, D,L-carnosine, D-carnosine, L-carnosine and derivatives thereof (e.g. anserine), carotenoids, carotenes (e.g. a-carotene, P-carotene, lycopene) and derivatives thereof, lipoicacid and derivatives thereof (e.g. dihydrolipoic acid), aurothioglucose, propylthiouracil and further thio compounds (e.g. thioglycerol, thiosorbitol, thioglycolic acid, thioredoxin, glutathione, cysteine, cystine, cystamine and the glycosyl, N-acetyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, amyl, butyl, lauryl, palmitoyl, oleyl, y-linoleyl, cholesteryl and glyceryl esters thereof), and salts thereof, dilauryl thiodipropionate, distearyl thiodipropionate, thiodipropionic acid and derivatives thereof (esters, ethers, peptides, lipids, nucleotides, nucleosides and salts), and sulfoximine compounds (e.g. buthionine sulfoximines, homocysteine sulfoximine, buthionine sulfones, penta-, hexa-, heptathionine sulfoximine) in very low tolerated doses (e.g. pmol / kg to pmol / kg), also metal chelating agents (e.g. a-hydroxy fatty acids, EDTA, EGTA, phytic acid, lactoferrin), a-hydroxy acids (e.g. citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid), humic acids, bile acid, bile extracts, gallic esters (e.g. propyl, octyl and dodecyl gallate), flavonoids, catechins, bilirubin, biliverdin and derivatives thereof, unsaturated fatty acids and derivatives thereof (e.g. y-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, oleic acid), folic acid and derivatives thereof, hydroquinone and derivatives thereof (e.g. arbutin), ubiquinone and ubiquinol, and derivatives thereof, vitamin C and derivatives thereof (e.g. ascorbyl palmitate, stearate, dipalmitate, acetate, Mg ascorbyl phosphates, sodium and magnesium ascorbate, disodium ascorbyl phosphate and sulfate, potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, chitosan ascorbate), isoascorbic acid and derivatives thereof, tocopherols and derivatives thereof (e.g. tocopheryl acetate, linoleate, oleate and succinate, tocophereth-5, tocophereth-10, tocophereth-12, tocophereth-18, tocophereth-50, tocophersolan), vitamin A and derivatives (e.g. vitamin A palmitate), the coniferyl benzoate of benzoin resin, rutin, rutinic acid and derivatives thereof, disodium rutinyl disulfate, cinnamic acid and derivatives thereof (e.g. ferulic acid, ethyl ferulate, caffeeic acid), kojic acid, chitosan glycolate and salicylate, butylhydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisol, nordihydroguaiacic acid, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, trihydroxybutyrophenone, uric acid and derivatives thereof, mannose and derivatives thereof, selenium and selenium derivatives (e.g. selenomethionine), stilbenes and stilbenederivatives (e.g. stilbene oxide, trans -stilbene oxide). According to the invention, suitable derivatives (salts, esters, sugars, nucleotides, nucleosides, peptides and lipids) and mixtures of these specified active ingredients or plant extracts (e.g. teatree oil, rosemary extract and rosemarinic acid) which comprise these antioxidants can be used. In general, mixtures of the aforementioned antioxidants are possible.

[0072] According to an embodiment, examples of suitable solvents are water, aromatic solvents (for example, xylene), paraffins (for example mineral oil fractions such as kerosene or diesel oil), coal tar oils and oils of vegetable or animal origin, aliphatic, cyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons, for example toluene, xylene, paraffin, tetrahydronaphthalene, alkylated naphthalenes or their derivatives, alcohols (for example methanol, butanol, pentanol, benzyl alcohol, cyclohexanol), ketones (for example cyclohexanone, gammabutyrolactone), pyrrolidones (NMP, NEP, NOP), acetates (glycol diacetate), glycols, fatty acid dimethylamides, fatty acids and fatty acid esters, isophorone and dimethylsulfoxide. In principle, solvent mixtures may also be used.

[0073] According to an embodiment, suitable surfactants are alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium salts of lignosulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonates, phenolsulfonic acid, dibutylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, alkylarylsulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkylsulfonates, fatty alcohol sulfates, fatty acids and sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ethers, furthermore condensates of sulfonated naphthalene and naphthalene derivatives with formaldehyde, condensates of naphthalene or of naphthalene sulfonic acid with phenol and formaldehyde, polyoxyethylene octylphenol ethers, ethoxylated isooctylphenol, octylphenol, nonylphenol, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers, tributylphenyl polyglycol ethers, tristearylphenyl polyglycol ethers, alkylaryl polyether alcohols, alcohol and fatty alcohol / ethylene oxide condensates, ethoxylated castor oil, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, ethoxylated polyoxypropylene, lauryl alcohol polyglycol ether acetal, sorbitol esters, lignosulfite waste liquors and methylcellulose.

[0074] According to an embodiment, examples of suitable carriers are mineral earths such as silica gels, silicates, talc, kaolin, attaclay, attapulgite, limestone, lime, chalk, bole, loess, clay, dolomite, diatomaceous earth, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, ground synthetic materials, fertilizers, such as, for example, ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, ureas, and products of vegetable origin, such as cereal meal, tree bark meal, wood meal and nutshell meal, cellulose powders, polyvinylpyrrolidone and other solid carriers.).

[0075] Suitable preservatives are for example l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one and / or 2-Methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one or sodium benzoate or benzoic acid.

[0076] In an embodiment, the compositions of the present invention may further comprise precipitated silica, aluminium silicate and / or calcium silicate, or derivatives or salts thereof. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention may further comprise aluminium silicate, or derivatives or salts thereof. More preferably, the compositions of the present invention may further comprise sodium aluminium silicate. More preferably, the compositions of the present invention may further comprise magnesium aluminium silicate. More preferably, the compositions of the present invention may further comprise calcium aluminium silicate.

[0077] In an embodiment, the composition may be in any agriculturally suitable form for storage and application to the foliage or the ground. The compositions of the present invention may typically be produced by mixing the actives in the composition with an inert carrier, and adding surfactants and other adjuvants and carriers as needed and formulated into solid, or liquid formulations, including but not limited to wettable powders, granules, dusts, Soluble (liquid) concentrates, suspension concentrates, oil in water emulsion, water in oil emulsion, emulsifiable concentrates, capsule suspensions, ZC formulations, oil dispersions or other known formulation types. The composition may also be used for treatment of a plant propagation material such as seeds etc.

[0078] The fungicidal combinations and compositions of the present disclosure can be in any conventional agriculturally useful form, for example, in the form of a ready-to-use formulation, or in the form of a tank mix.

[0079] In an embodiment, the fungicidal actives may be formulated as a premix product or a ready-to-use product.

[0080] In an embodiment, the fungicidal actives may be tank-mixed at the time of application, or prior to the application.

[0081] In an embodiment, the fungicidal actives may form said combination or composition at the locus where it is applied in succession or separately.

[0082] The use of the combinations / compositions according to the present invention provides for excellent fungicidal effectiveness against a broad spectrum of fungi and fungal pathogens, thus providing an effective control, eradication or prevention of fungal diseases in plants, crops or a part thereof.

[0083] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of controlling fungal infestation of a plant, a crop, or a part thereof comprising applying to a locus or the plant, the crop, or a part thereof a fungicidally effective and / or a synergistic combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; or a composition comprising said combination.

[0084] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of controlling fungal disease in a plant, a crop, or a part thereof comprising applying to a locus or the plant, the crop, or a part thereof a fungicidally effective and / or a synergistic combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; or a composition comprising said combination.

[0085] In an embodiment, said combination or composition further comprises precipitated silica, aluminium silicate and / or calcium silicate, or derivatives or salts thereof, precipitated silica, aluminium silicate and / or calcium silicate, or derivatives or salts thereof may be premixed with the fungicide or tank-mixed with the combination or composition at the time of application.

[0086] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method to improve plant health, growth and yield comprising applying a fungicidally effective and / or a synergistic combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; or a composition comprising said combination.

[0087] In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the systemic fungicide at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 1000 g ai / ha.

[0088] In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the prothioconazole at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 1000 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the prothioconazole at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 100 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the prothioconazole at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 50 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the prothioconazole at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 10 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the prothioconazole at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 5 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the prothioconazole at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 2 g ai / ha.

[0089] In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the fluoxastrobin at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 1000 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the fluoxastrobin at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 700 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the fluoxastrobin at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 500 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the fluoxastrobin at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 400 g ai / ha.

[0090] In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the fluazinam at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 1000 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the fluazinam at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 100 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the fluazinam at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 50 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying the fluazinam at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 25 g ai / ha.

[0091] In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 2000 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof at a rate of about 1 g ai / ha to about 1000 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof at a rate of about 1 g ai / ha to about 100 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof at a rate of about 2 g ai / ha to about 80 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof at a rate of about 2 g ai / ha to about 60 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof at a rate of about 2 g ai / ha to about 40 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof at a rate of about 2 g ai / ha to about 25 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof at a rate of about 2 g ai / ha to about 20 g ai / ha.

[0092] In an embodiment, said methods comprise applying salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof at a rate of about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 21 g ai / ha.

[0093] In an embodiment, methods of the present invention comprises applying the combinations or compositions of the present invention simultaneously, that is jointly; or separately, that is in succession.

[0094] In another embodiment, the constituents of the combinations or compositions of the present invention may be tank mixed and applied or sprayed at the locus of the infection or may be alternatively mixed with surfactants and / or any other agrochemically suitable excipients and then applied.

[0095] In yet another embodiment, the constituents of the combinations of the present invention may be applied in such quick succession in any order to form the desired mix at the locus of application.

[0096] In an embodiment, the constituents of the combination or the composition of the present invention may be used for foliar application, ground or applications to plant propagation materials.

[0097] In an embodiment, at least 10% dose reduction of the systemic fungicide as compared to the standard farmer practice is achieved through the combinations, compositions or methods encompassed by the present invention.

[0098] In an embodiment, 10%-95% dose reduction of the systemic fungicide as compared to the standard farmer practice is achieved through the combinations, compositions or methods encompassed by the present invention.

[0099] An embodiment of the present invention provides a use of a fungicidally effective combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; or a composition comprising said combination for controlling fungal infestation and / or fungal disease of a plant, a crop, or a part thereof.

[0100] The combinations and / or compositions of the present invention may be used to treat following fungal and bacterial diseases of a plant, a crop, or a part thereof:Disease in rice: Blast (Magnaporthe grisea), Helminthosporium leaf spot (Cochliobolus miyabeanus), sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani), and bakanae disease (Gibbe relict fujikuroi).Diseases in wheat: powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis), Fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum, F. avenacerum, F. culmorum, Microdochium nivale), rust (Puccinia striiformis, P. graminis, P. recondlla), pink snow mold (Micronectriella nivale), Typhula snow blight (Typhula sp.), loose smut (U tilago tritici), bunt (Tilletia caries), eyespot (Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides), leaf blotch (Mycosphaerella graminicola), glume blotch (Stagonospora nodorum), septoria, and yellow spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis).Diseases of barley: powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis), Fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum, F. avenacerum, F. culmorum, Microdochium nivale), rust (Puccinia striiformis, P. graminis, P. hordei), loose smut (Ustilago nuda), scald(Rhynchosporium secalis), net blotch (Pyrenophora teres), spot blotch (Cochliobolus sativus), leaf stripe (Pyrenophora graminea), and Rhizoctonia damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani).Diseases in corn: smut (Ustilago may dis), brown spot (Cochliobolus heterostrophus), copper spot (Gloeocercospora sorghi), southern rust (Puccinia polysora), gray leaf spot (Cercospora zeae-maydis), white spot (Phaeosphaeria my dis and / or Pantoea ananatis) and Rhizoctonia damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani). Diseases of citrus: melanose (Diaporthe cirri), scab (Elsinoe fawcetti), penicillium rot (Penicillium digitatum, P.italicum), and brown rot (Phytophthora parasitica, Phytophthora citrophthora).Diseases of apple: blossom blight (Monilinia mali), canker (Valsa ceratosperma), powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha), Altemaria leaf spot (Alternaria alternata apple pathotype), scab (Venturia inaequalis), powdery mildew, bitter rot (Colletotrichum acutatum), crown rot (Phytophtora cactorum), blotch (Diplocarpon mali), and ring rot (Botryosphaeria berengeriana).Diseases of pear: scab (Venturia nashicola, V pirina), powdery mildew, black spot (Alternaria alternata Japanese pear pathotype), rust (Gymnosporangium haraeanum), and phytophthora fruit rot (Phytophtora cactorum).Diseases of peach: brown rot (Monilinia fructicola), powdery mildew, scab Cladosporium carpophilum), and phomopsis rot (Phomopsis sp.).Diseases of grape: anthracnose (Elsinoe ampelina), ripe rot (Glomerella cingulata), powdery mildew (Uncinula necator), rust (Phakopsora ampelopsidis), black rot (Guignardia bidwellii), Botrytis, and downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola).Diseases of Japanese persimmon: anthracnose (Gloeosporium kaki), and leaf spot (Cercospora kaki, Mycosphaerella nawae).Diseases of gourd: anthracnose (Colletotrichum lagenarium), powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea), gummy stem blight (Mycosphaerella melonis), Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum), downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis), Phytophthora rot (Phytophthora sp.), and damping-off (Pythium sp ).Diseases of tomato: early blight (Alternaria solani), leaf mold (Cladosporium fulvum), and late blight (Phytophthora infestans).Diseases of eggplant: brown spot (Phomop sis vexans), and powdery mildew (Erysiphecichor acearum).Diseases of cruciferous vegetables: Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria japonica), white spot (Cercosporella brassicae), clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae), and downy mildew (Peronospora parasitica).Diseases of onion: rust (Puccinia allii), and downy mildew (Peronospora destructor).Diseases of soybean: purple seed stain (Cercospora kikuchii), sphaceloma scad (Elsinoe glycines), pod and stem blight (Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae), septoria brown spot (Septoria glycines), frogeye leaf spot (Cercospora sojina), rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi), Yellow rust, brown stem rot (Phytophthora sojae), and Rhizoctonia damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani).Diseases of kidney bean: anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemthianum). Diseases of peanut: leaf spot (Cercospora personata), brown leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola) and southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii).Diseases of garden pea: powdery mildew (Erysiphe pisi), and root rot (Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi).Diseases of potato: early blight (Alternaria solani), late blight (Phytophthora infestans), pink rot (Phytophthora erythroseptica), and powdery scab (Spongospora subterranean f. sp. subterranea).Diseases of strawberry: powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca humuli), and anthracnose (Glomerella cingulata).Diseases of tea: net blister blight (Exobasidium reticulatum), white scab (Elsinoe leucospila), gray blight (Pestalotiopsis sp.), and anthracnose (Colletotrichum theae- sinensis).Diseases of tobacco: brown spot (Alternaria longipes), powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum), anthracnose (Colletotrichum tabacum), downy mildew (Peronospora tabacina), and black shank (Phytophthora nicotianae).Diseases of rapeseed: sclerotinia rot {Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), and Rhizoctonia damping- off Rhizoctonia solani). Diseases of cotton: Rhizoctonia damping-off {Rhizoctonia solani). Diseases of sugar beat: Cercospora leaf spot {Cercospora beticola), leaf blight {Thanatephorus cucumeris), Root rot {Thanatephorus cucumeris), and Aphanomyces root rot {Aphanomyces cochlioides). Diseases of rose: black spot {Diplocarpon rosae), powdery mildew {Sphaerotheca pannosa), and downy mildew {Peronospora sparsa). Diseases of chrysanthemum and asteraceous plants: downy mildew {Bremia lactucae), leaf blight {Septoria chrysanthemi-indici), and white rust {Puccinia horiana).Diseases of various other crops: diseases caused by Pythium spp. {Pythium aphanidermatum, Pythium debarianum, Pythium graminicola, Pythium irregulare, Pythium ultimum), gray mold. {Botrytis cinerea), and Sclerotinia rot {Sclerotinia sclerotiorum).Disease of Japanese radish: Altemaria leaf spot {Alternaria brassicicola).Diseases of turfgrass: dollar spot {Sclerotinia homeocarpa), and brown patch and large patch {Rhizoctonia solani).Disease of banana: Black sigatoka {Mycosphaerella fijiensis), Yellow sigatoka {Mycosphaerella music ola).Disease of sunflower: downy mildew {Plasmopara halstedii).Seed diseases or diseases in the early stages of the growth of various plants caused by Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., Gibberella spp., Tricoderma spp., Thielaviopsis spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Corticium spp., Phoma spp., Rhizoctonia spp. and Diplodia spp.

[0101] An embodiment of the present invention provides a kit-of-parts comprising a first component comprised of a systemic fungicide, and a second component comprised of salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. The first and / or second components may further comprise an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0102] An embodiment of the present invention provides a kit-of-parts comprising a first component comprised of a systemic fungicide, a second component comprised of salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; andoptionally a third or more components comprised of an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0103] An embodiment of the present invention provides a kit-of-parts comprising a first component comprised of a systemic fungicide, a second component comprised of salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; and optionally a third or more components comprised of an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0104] This effectiveness of all treatments can be evaluated according to Colby’s equation. In the Colby’s equation given below, E is the expected efficacy of combination of the fungicide, andsalicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof,

[0105] X is the observed efficacy of the fungicide, and

[0106] Y is the observed efficacy of salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof.

[0107] Observed efficacy values i.e. X and Y are % disease control for the fungicide and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof. If observed efficacy of combination of the fungicide and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof is greater than its expected efficacy, then combination is determined to be synergistic. If observed efficacy is equal to or less than expected efficacy, then combination is determined to be non- synergistic.

[0108] Colby’s equation E = X + Y - XY / 100

[0109] The results of synergistic effects of the present combinations / compositions is represented in examples. As used herein, all numerical values or numerical ranges include integers within such ranges and fractions of the values or the integers within ranges unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a range of 90- 100%, includes 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 95%, 97%, etc., as well as 91.1%, 91.2%, 91.3%, 91.4%, 91.5%, etc., 92.1%, 92.2%, 92.3%, 92.4%, 92.5%, etc., and so forth.

[0110] Specifically, the invention includes embodiments in which particular subject matter is excluded, in full or in part, such as substances or materials,method steps and conditions, protocols, procedures, assays or analysis. Thus,even though the invention is generally not expressed herein in terms of whatthe invention does not include aspects that are not expressly included in the invention are nevertheless disclosed herein. Although a number of embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

[0111] These and other advantages of the invention may become more apparent from the examples set forth. These examples are provided merely as illustrations of the invention and are not intended to be construed as a limitation thereof.EXAMPLESExample 1: Efficacy of prothioconazole and potassium salicylate on fungal disease

[0112] A greenhouse trial was conducted on potted tomato plants infectedwith early blight. A high dose of prothioconazole at 1 g ai / ha was compared to individual doses of prothioconazole and potassium salicylate at various rates(reduced for prothioconazole) and combination of prothioconazole andpotassium salicylate, with prothioconazole applied at reduced dosage incombination.Table 1: Efficacy of prothioconazole and potassium salicylate on early blight disease in tomatoExample 2: Efficacy of fluxapyroxad and potassium salicylate on fungal disease A greenhouse trial was conducted on potted soybean plants infected with target spot. A high dose of fluxapyroxad at 10 g ai / ha was compared to individual doses of fluxapyroxad and potassium salicylate at various rates (reduced for fluxapyroxad) and combination of fluxapyroxad and potassium salicylate, with fluxapyroxad applied at reduced dosage in combination.Table 2: Efficacy of fluxapyroxad and potassium salicylate on target spot disease in soybeanExample 3: Efficacy of fluoxastrobin and potassium salicylate on fungal disease A greenhouse trial was conducted on potted soybean plants infected with target spot. A high dose of fluoxastrobin at 96.4 g ai / ha was compared to 5 individual doses of fluoxastrobin and potassium salicylate at various rates (reduced for fluoxastrobin) and combination of fluoxastrobin and potassium salicylate, with fluoxastrobin applied at reduced dosage in combination.Table 3: Efficacy of fluoxastrobin and potassium salicylate on target spot disease in soybeanExample 4: Efficacy of fluoxastrobin and potassium salicylate on fungal disease

[0113] A greenhouse trial was conducted on potted pepper plants infected with Botrytis. Individual doses of fluoxastrobin and potassium salicylate, and 5 combination of fluoxastrobin and potassium salicylate.Table 4: Efficacy of fluoxastrobin and potassium salicylate on Botrytis infection in pepperExample 5: Efficacy of fluazinam and potassium salicylate on fungal disease

[0114] A greenhouse trial was conducted on potted pepper plants infected 10 with Botrytis. A high dose of fluazinam at 230 g ai / ha was compared to individual doses of fluazinam and potassium salicylate at various rates(reduced for fluazinam) and combination of fluazinam and potassium salicylate, with fluazinam applied at reduced dosage in combination.Table 5: Efficacy of fluazinam and potassium salicylate on Botrytis infection in pepperExample 6: Efficacy of fluazinam and potassium salicylate on fungal disease

[0115] A greenhouse trial was conducted on potted tomato plants infected with early blight. A high dose of fluazinam at 3.08 g ai / ha was compared to individual doses of fluazinam and potassium salicylate at various rates (reduced for fluazinam) and combination of fluazinam and potassium salicylate, with 5 fluazinam applied at reduced dosage in combination.Table 6: Efficacy of fluazinam and potassium salicylate on early blight in tomatoFrom the above examples 1-6 and tables 1-6, it can be observed that a combination of systemic fungicides such as prothioconazole, fluoxastrobin, fluazinam, fluxapyroxad when combined with potassium salicylate provided more than additive effect in controlling fungal diseases such as early or late blight in tomato, target spot in soybeans, and Botrytis in pepper. Thus, it is evident that the combinations of the present invention provide synergistic control / more than additive effect in controlling a variety of diseases or fungal pathogens in a wide spectrum of crops. Also, it was observed that when the dose of the fungicide was reduced to 10% of original dose and combined with potassium salicylate, control of fungus / fungal disease near to or equivalent to the higher dose was obtained. This establishes a crucial role of salicylic acid, its salts or analogues in better pest management with reduced fungicide use and thus, making sustainable practices possible.Abbreviations in examples:Cu = CopperSA = Salicylic acidKSA = Potassium salicylateg / L or g ai / L = Amount of active ingredient in grams per litremg / L or mg ai / L = Amount of active ingredient in milligrams per litreg / ha or g ai / ha = Amount of active ingredient applied in grams per hectaremg / ha or mg ai / ha = Amount of active ingredient applied in milligrams per hectare

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof.

2. The combination as claimed in claim 1, the systemic fungicide is selected from a demethylation inhibitor (DMI), a quinone outside inhibitor (QOI), a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI), an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, or combinations thereof.

3. The combination as claimed in claim 2, wherein the systemic fungicide is a demethylation inhibitor (DMI) selected from azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, mefentrifluconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, propiconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, prothioconazole, and combinations thereof; orthe systemic fungicide is a quinone outside inhibitor (QOI) selected from azoxystrobin, coumoxystrobin, enoxastrobin, flufenoxystrobin. picoxystrobin, pyraoxystrobin, mandestrobin, pyraclostrobin. pyrametostrobin, triclopyricarb, kresoxim-methyl, trifloxystrobin. dimoxystrobin, fenaminstrobin, metominostrobin, orysastrobin. famoxadone, fluoxastrobin, fenamidone, pyribencarb, metyltetraprole, and combinations thereof; orthe systemic fungicide is a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) selected from benodanil, flutolanil, mepronil, isofetamid, fluopyram, cyclobutrifluram, fenfuram, carboxin, oxycarboxin, thifluzamide, benzovindiflupyr, bixafen, fluindapyr, fluxapyroxad, furametpyr,inpyrfluxam, isopyrazam, penflufen, penthiopyrad, sedaxane, isoflucypram, pydiflumetofen, boscalid, pyraziflumid, and combinations thereof; orthe systemic fungicide is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation such as fluazinam; orcombinations of any of the above.

4. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein said combination comprises salicylic acid or a salt of salicylic acid selected from potassium salicylate or calcium salicylate.

5. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof are combined in a ratio ranging from about 1 : 110 to about 110:1.

6. A fungicidally effective composition comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof.

7. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the composition further comprises an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

8. A method of controlling fungal disease in a plant, a crop, or a part thereof, or fungal infestation of a plant, a crop, or a part thereof comprising applying to a locus or the plant, the crop, or a part thereof a fungicidally effective combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; or a composition comprising said combination.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the systemic fungicide is applied at a rate of about about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 2000 g ai / ha.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof is applied at a rate of about about 0.1 g ai / ha to about 2000 g ai / ha.

11. Use of a fungicidally effective combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid, salts or analogues thereof; or a composition comprising said combination for controlling fungal infestation and / or fungal disease of a plant, a crop, or a part thereof.

12. A fungicidal combination comprising a systemic fungicide; and salicylic acid or potassium salicylate; wherein the systemic fungicide is selected from the group consisting of prothioconazole, fluxapyroxad, fluoxastrobin and fluazinam.

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